River City Yellow Croaker

River City Yellow Croaker

　　River City Yellow Croaker is a specialty of Jiangcheng County in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province. The River City Yellow Croaker is found in the Mengye River, Lixian River, and Mankhe 1. It has a flat head and a round body, with no scales or mucus on its surface, well-developed fin rays, and no internal bones. Each fish can weigh over 30 kilograms.

　　When cooked, the flesh of the yellow croaker turns yellow, resembling a ripe pumpkin, hence its common name, "melon fish." The best way to prepare melon fish is by cooking it in "live water with live fish," which brings out the most delicious flavor. While the fish is still alive, clean its mouth and gills, quickly gut it, then place it in a pot of cold water, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Once the fish dies, add oil, salt, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings, then continue cooking until the broth turns milky white before serving. To eat, serve with a small bowl of salty soy sauce mixed with locally unique wild coriander and finely chopped chili peppers, and dip the fish in it — the taste is incredibly delicious. The most tender parts are the fish lips, antennae, fins, and skin, leaving an unforgettable impression. Melon fish has nourishing properties; after eating it, you may feel your whole body heat up and have an uncontrollable thirst, craving tea and a bit of pickled vegetables. But you must resist — drinking tea or eating pickled vegetables will neutralize the nourishing effects. The melon fish is very resilient: simply wrap a wet piece of moss around a stone, stuff it into the fish’s mouth, and it can stay alive for over a day. It can even be taken on a journey alive, making it a delightful gift for friends and family that everyone loves.